How to Build Beaded Kitchen Cabinets

Beaded panels add cottage style to kitchen cabinets.

Cabinets are the highlight of every kitchen and their design is the key element in making them more or less noticeable. If you're an experienced woodworker, using material such as beaded panels to accent the kitchen cabinets is one way to draw the eye to the details of the cabinets. Remember that the beads cut in a panel repeat an equal pattern. Cutting the panels for shaker doors and drawer fronts requires keeping the beads aligned. To get started, cut and assemble base and wall cabinets in the same manner as for those that are not beaded.

Things You'll Need

• Table saw
• 1/4-inch beaded paneling
• 3/4-by-2-inch solid lumber (actual size)
• Wood glue
• Bar clamps
• 1-by-6-inch lumber
• Electric miter saw

Instructions

1. Set the fence of the table saw at 34 1/2 inches, the typical height of base cabinets. Cut the beaded paneling across the grain (called blocking) for the base cabinet end panels that will be exposed after the cabinets are installed.

2. Set the fence of the table saw at 23 inches; this will provide the proper width of the end panels for the base cabinets. Rip (cut with the grain) the beaded paneling as needed.

3. Apply glue to the back of the beaded panels. Secure them to the ends of the base cabinets with 3/4-inch brads.

4. Set the fence of the table saw at 30 inches, the typical height of a wall cabinet. Cut as many pieces of beaded paneling as needed to cover the exposed ends of the wall cabinets.

5. Set the fence of the table saw at 11 inches, which will provide the proper width for the wall cabinet end panels. Rip the pieces to width with the saw.

6. Apply glue to the backs of the wall cabinet end panels. Secure them to the wall cabinet ends with the 3/4-inch brads.

7. Measure the openings for the doors and the drawers. Add 1 inch in both directions. The height measurements will be correct. To get the correct width measurement for the doors, subtract 4 inches (the total width of the two vertical pieces) and add 1-inch (for the tongue).

8. Set the fence of the table saw at 1/4 inch. Set the height of the blade at 1/2 inch. Cut a groove on the long edge of each of frame piece. Turn each piece around and cut it from the other side to create a 1/4inch groove in the center.

9. Set the fence of the table saw at 1/2 -inch to the left side of the blade. Lower the height of the blade to 1/4 inch. Cut the ends (the cross grain) of the rails only, on both sides. Set the fence of the table saw at 1/4 inch over the blade. Raise the height of the blade to 1/2 inch. Stand the rails on their ends. Cut each side of both ends.

10. Fit the pieces together and check for a good fit. Set the fence of the table saw on 19 1/4 inches for the height of the base door beaded panels. Cut panel pieces to this blocks height, then cut them to the width needed to fit the frame.

11. Cut the length of the drawer fronts from the 1-by-6-inch lumber. Match them with the doors and align them with the door. Draw lines that match the grooves in the beaded panels. Set the fence of the table saw accordingly and cut the grooves. Be certain to lower the blade to the appropriate depth.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop short of the beaded panels when securing them with the brads to prevent hammer marks.

• Cut the drawer fronts from the 1-by-6-inch lumber.

• Step 6 produces a tongue on the ends of the rails.

• Cut a test groove on a scrap piece of lumber before cutting the drawer fronts.

• Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

• Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children.

• Do not raise the blade of the table saw any higher than necessary to make the cut.

References

• Rockler: Making Your Own Kitchen Cabinets